Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has urged Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah to adopt a new approach in combating illegal mining.
Mr Nelson emphasized the need for a fresh strategy, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining on the region’s water bodies.
He suggested forming a group consisting of representation from the Minerals Commission, District Chief Executives, and security services, with clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
According to him, this would ensure that individuals in these roles are held accountable for their actions and are required to answer tough questions when issues arise.
He expressed concerns about Ghana’s dwindling farmlands due to illegal mining activities.
He warned that if left unchecked, the country’s ability to produce food crops and major cash crops like cocoa will be severely impacted.
To address this issue, Nelson also proposed that any chief who allows illegal mining in their area should not have the land returned to them after reclamation. Instead, the state and government should take control of the land for agricultural purposes.
The approach he believes is aims to hold traditional leaders accountable for protecting their lands and to prioritize national food security interests.
Nelson’s proposal highlights the need for effective reclamation policies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
He made these proposals during his engagement with the leadership of the Western Regional House of Chiefs on Wednesday, March 12.
The Minister pledged to tackle the issue head-on.
“The fight against illegal mining is a monumental task. I’m eager to collaborate with Minister Armah Buah to find a new approach, as the destruction of our rivers and streams is alarming. Simply removing miners from the land today only leads to their return tomorrow. We need a comprehensive solution to effectively address this issue,” he stated.
The Minister noted that while deterrents are effective, a comprehensive overhaul of the mining process is necessary.
He emphasized, “Since we haven’t effectively implemented laws regulating small-scale mining, we’ll continue to face these issues. We must establish clear guidelines on responsible mining practices.”
The Western Regional Minister expressed concern over the devastating impact on the Butire River, which led to the flooding of the entire Ewusiejoe community during the 2024 rainy season.
Furthermore, he was shocked to discover that the previous administration had designated parts of the Ghana Rubber Estate farmland as a community mining site. “I fail to comprehend why a rubber plantation would be declared a community mining site,” he remarked, highlighting the illogical nature of this decision.
The Regional Minister outlined his vision for responsible mining practices, emphasizing the need for clear standards and accountability.
“Once a mining permit is issued, the recipient must acknowledge and fulfill the associated responsibilities,” he stated.
Nelson advocated for a more transparent and regulated approach, suggesting that mining sites should be easily identifiable as registered, small-scale, and responsibly operated.
He emphasized the importance of establishing clear standards, enabling effective monitoring and ensuring that license holders understand their obligations.
“In the absence of standards, monitoring becomes impossible,” Nelson noted. “We must establish clear guidelines, so anyone with a license knows exactly what is expected of them.”
Source:
3news.com
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